Network Operational Specialist

Yorkshire Water; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 41,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional water service provider in the UK is seeking a Network Operational Specialist to deliver technical support for sewer operations and enhance customer service. The role requires expertise in sewer systems, customer interaction, and health and safety management. Candidates should have experience with high-pressure jetting equipment and be proficient in Microsoft Office. This is a full-time position based in Lower Brighouse, with flexible working options. Competitive salary offered based on experience.

Benefits

Competitive salary range

Annual incentive bonus

Pension scheme with up to 12% contribution

Development opportunities

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Qualifications

• Previous experience operating high-pressure jetting equipment with appropriate accreditation.
• Strong health and safety background and experience in management processes.
• Full valid driving licence (no more than 6 points) to travel to different sites.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support on the operation of the Customer Field Services fleet.
• Support significant incidents and guide field-based teams.
• Manage the CSO asset base to ensure safe and effective operation.

Skills

Technical understanding of sewer systems

Customer service experience

Interpersonal skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Health and safety management

Tools

High-pressure jetting equipment

SAP

Job description

Hello! Thanks for stopping by. Let us tell you about all the great reasons to join us here at Yorkshire Water.

Benefits

• Competitive salary range from £41,477 to £51,846 depending on experience.
• Annual incentive related bonus (maximum £1,000 for the performance year).
• Attractive pension scheme with up to 12% company contribution.
• Development opportunities in line with the Network Operational Specialist progression plan.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, an extra wellness day, and additional days in lieu of working bank holidays.
• Life assurance cover of 4 times pensionable salary.
• A great benefits package – choose from a health cash plan, critical illness insurance, dental insurance, life assurance flex and partner cover.
• Retail savings scheme.
• Online GP service, cycle‑to‑work scheme, gym membership discounts, and many more.

Location: This role will cover Lower Brighouse and surrounding areas. You will be based at our depot at Lower Brighouse with the expectation to attend our head office in BD6 when needed, and from Summer 2026 the head office will be moving to Leeds.

Working type: This is a permanent opportunity working 37 hours per week on a rotational work pattern. Once fully trained, you will be required to take part in an out‑of‑hours standby, so flexibility outside core hours is essential.

What we do!

Everyone has an idea of what a water company does. Here in Yorkshire, we make sure that over 5.4 million people living in the region and the millions of people who visit our region each year can rely on our services, have clean and safe drinking water on tap, and that their wastewater is taken away. We look after communities, protect the environment, and plan to look after Yorkshire’s water, today, tomorrow 24/7, 365 days a year.

With new environmental legislation, unprecedented investment and changing expectations from customers, this is an exciting time to discover opportunities within the water industry. Customer Field Services are a key part of how we plan to meet the changing expectations of customers and regulators.

The Network Operational Specialist role is split between field and office‑based work in a geographical area, working to improve customer service and sewer performance and respond to escalated incidents.

The Network Operational Specialist is responsible for coaching and supporting field‑based operatives to ensure a quality investigation is undertaken, evidenced, and documented, promoting a first‑time fix solution for customers and the environment in accordance with our standards and specifications. You will work to minimise repeats and review customer complaints to resolve issues.

Where you fit in!

As our Network Operational Specialist, you will:

• Provide technical support on the safe operation of the Customer Field Services fleet and equipment, including all aspects of jetting, CCTV, Recycler/Vactor operation, and sewer network investigations. You will review RAMS for all works to be delivered on the gravity sewer network.
• Provide technical support and guidance to Wastewater on all aspects of the gravity sewer network, support significant incidents (pollution/flooding) and support field‑based teams to incident‑manage the situation.
• Offer expert advice to ensure safe operation and restoration of operational failure on the sewer network, supporting the entire Customer Field Services department and the wider business.
• Support the Operational Delivery Manager with the escapes review process for all aspects of sewer network escapes, internal and external flooding and pollution; provide technical and financial validation to all aspects of follow‑on work for both YW and service partners; ensure all work promotes operational resolution and prevents repeat calls.
• Work with the operational contracts team to drive improvements and efficiencies within the WWSA such as remedial activity and prolonged work activity and poor work practices.
• Manage the CSO asset base, ensuring safe and effective operation; work closely with central control and CSO teams to ensure the delivery of maintenance plans.

What skills, experience and training will you need

• Technical understanding of sewer systems and network performance issues, associated assets, and basic knowledge of sewage treatment works.
• Knowledge, experience and understanding of the vehicles and equipment used to resolve issues on the sewer network, including previous experience operating high‑pressure jetting equipment with appropriate accreditation.
• Previous customer‑service experience with face‑to‑face communication with customers.
• Proven ability to work in a busy environment, managing day‑to‑day workloads and reviewing workloads promptly to intervene and mitigate risks.
• Strong health and safety background and experience of health and safety management processes and systems.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team, develop and maintain effective internal and external relationships with several key stakeholders.
• Strong influencing skills, decision‑making ability, rigorous attention to detail to ensure a ‘right‑first‑time’ approach, and experience of evidence capture and feedback.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and company‑based systems such as SAP; training will be provided for the company‑based systems.
• Full valid driving licence (no more than 6 points) to travel to different operational sites across the region.

Although we operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, we support flexible working patterns and job‑share options when possible, to help you balance work and home life.

Do we sound like your cup of tea?

If you’ve got experience in Sewer Network and want to help us deliver great service for our customers while looking after the environment, then be sure to apply today to find out what a career with Yorkshire Water can offer you.

Closing Date: 31 December 2025.

Interviews will be ongoing from now until mid‑January 2026.

Successful candidates will undergo pre‑employment checks, including a Basic Disclosure Check carried out through a third‑party company prior to commencing employment; depending on the role, a Counter‑Terrorist Check or Security Check clearance may also be required.

All roles are subject to a medical questionnaire, and further medicals when required.

We are proud to serve the Yorkshire region and are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment that reflects the communities we serve. We strongly encourage candidates of all different backgrounds to apply.

Kelda Group reserves the right to close this position before the published closing date, should the need occur. We therefore advise you to complete and submit your application as soon as possible.